Asian Games 2026: Wrestling Coach Shako Crafts Individual Roadmaps For Indian Grapplers

New Indian head coach Emzarios Bentinidis has set a focused plan for the 2026 Asian Games, stressing personalised training for every wrestler. After the Wrestling Federation of India selection trials, he said the national programme will shift to a uniform, professional system that targets peak performance in Aichi-Nagoya.

Speaking in New Delhi on June 1, 2026, Bentinidis underlined that a single training plan cannot suit all athletes. At the Sports Authority of India Centre in Lucknow, he watched the men's trials and said every wrestler needs an individual roadmap to hit form at major championships.

Bentinidis, known as Shako, explained his core approach. He said, "Every wrestler is different and requires a different approach. There is no single formula for success." He added that some wrestlers need more technical work, while others must sharpen conditioning or mat tactics.

Shako said his priority is close daily engagement with the squad. "My priority right now is to spend time with the wrestlers, understand their individual needs, and create a clear roadmap for each of them so they can focus on achieving results at major events such as the Asian Games."

India's freestyle contenders secured their Asian Games spots with strong wins. World No. 1 Sujeet Kalkal claimed the 65kg berth after a tactical 2-0 result. Olympic bronze medallist Aman Sehrawat dominated the 57kg final 11-1. Deepak Punia, Sagar Jaglan, Mukul Dahiya and Rajat Ruhal also topped their brackets.

The Greco-Roman group mirrored that form at the trials. Sunil Kumar, a 2023 Asian Games bronze medallist, sealed the 87kg place with a 3-1 win. He leads a unit featuring Sumit Dalal at 60kg, Deepak at 67kg, Aman at 77kg, Nitesh Kumar at 97kg and Deepanshu at 130kg.

The women’s team, finalised at Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi, is led by two-time World Championships bronze medallist Antim Panghal at 53kg. She is joined by Nisha Dahiya, Mansi Ahlawat, Manisha Bhanwala, Dipanshi and Priya Malik across the 50kg to 72kg categories.

Indian Wrestlers Qualified for Asian Games 2026